Live Review: The Sisters of Mercy - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
16th November 2023
Support: The Virginmarys
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
It's a night of a night of gothic enchantment at KK’s Steel Mill as the iconic Sisters of Mercy took the stage, leaving an indelible mark on the souls of the gathered faithful.
The Virginmarys dynamic and high-energy performance opened the show. Hailing from Macclesfield, the duo showcased their raw, unbridled passion for rock with contagious enthusiasm. Frontman Ally Dickaty's gritty vocals and fervent guitar work were complemented by the pulsating drums of Danny Dolan, creating a sonic force that resonated throughout the venue. Their set, a fusion of anthemic choruses and relentless guitar-driven melodies.
Sisters of Mercy's headlining set was nothing short of a dark symphony, opening with the brooding ‘Doctor Jeep / Detonation Boulevard’ that set a tone of ominous anticipation. The pulsating rhythms of ‘Ribbons’ and the ethereal allure of ‘Alice’" cast a mesmerizing spell over the crowd, enveloping them in the signature mystique that defines the Sisters' sound.
The sets panned the depths of their discography, from the haunting ‘Marian’ to the hypnotic cadence of ‘Dominion / Mother Russia’. Each song was a sonic tapestry, woven with Andrew Eldritch's haunting vocals and the atmospheric instrumentals that have made Sisters of Mercy a cornerstone of the gothic rock genre.
The encore brought the night to its peak with the iconic ‘Lucretia My Reflection’ and the anthemic ‘Temple of Love’, leaving the audience in a state of euphoric reverence. A highlight of the evening was the emotionally charged rendition of ‘This Corrosion’, which saw the audience swept up in a collective wave of energy.
Eldritch's enigmatic stage presence and the band's masterful command of the bands iconic sound created an otherworldly experience, amplified by the atmospheric lighting and stage design.
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
